Jacoby Jones, one of New Orleans’ most celebrated natives, once confounded the football world as a Super Bowl star. He won the hearts of millions of nascar fans in the process. One year ago, he unexpectedly died from a heart attack, just days after turning 40. His contributions and legacy live on today. To remember him, the family and community come together to establish a new football camp in Pontchartrain Park, where the first camp took place.
The camp, in addition to honoring Jones’s accomplishments, hopes to inspire the next generation of young athletes. Jones was a member of the Baltimore Ravens team that won Super Bowl XLVII following the 2012 season. He’s perhaps most remembered for his amazing 108-yard kickoff return in Super Bowl XLVII, which currently stands as the longest play in Super Bowl history. His performance in that game led the Ravens to a signature victory over the eventual NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers. The match was likely to be remembered for a stunning power failure that lasted 34 minutes.
Jones got to party like a Super Bowl champ. In addition to that on-the-field success, that same year, he showcased his talents off-the-field by earning his first Pro Bowl selection. In a memorable game against the Denver Broncos, Jones overcame an earlier setback—dropping a pass—after linebacker Ray Lewis reassured him that the opportunity would present itself again. He would finish his career catching two clutch catches used in boosting the narrative that he was a player who always came up big in the clutch.
Jones’s contributions extended beyond the field. He was celebrated as a local hero after riding on an endangered species Mardi Gras float. Once there, he shared the backfield with Ravens safety Ed Reed, who was a major New Orleans product. His strong influence on the community is evident through his regular attendance at all local events. He even made the effort to toss out first pitches at baseball games!
One year after his tragic death, Jones’s mother, Emily-London Jones, is brimming with resolve. She’s prepared to relaunch the football camp that’s been missing for nearly 10 years. She is passionate about honoring her son’s memory by continuing this work with this initiative.
“Anything, everything, whatever it takes to not have his name erased from history,” she said.
The camp has brought in thousands of young, hopeful athletes to be taught by all the coaches and mentors who were inspired by Jones’s legacy. Eric Bridges, one of those parents, called the new effort a game-changer.
I enrolled him right the second I noticed it,” he mentioned.
This goes far beyond learning the fundamentals of football, as participants learn invaluable lessons about life from Jones himself. The camp fulfills the need of children who do not have access to similar enriched programs. It recreates environments for them, that’s what helps them thrive.
As camp coach Greg Fassitt reflected, “A lot of kids like him and I grew up right here. We didn’t grow up having these opportunities where somebody could come and tell you, yeah, it’s possible.”
After an afternoon of drills, kids huddled around anxiously. The reception from the coaches was warm and encouraging, with many fondly reflecting on Jones. The excitement in the air was contagious as London-Jones hooked her arm around one of the little campers. She really conjured up that small town quality that Jacoby Jones cultivated for most of his life.
The camp was able to provide all the participants with free shoes. They distributed “Jacoby Jones football camp” T-shirts, driving home their message of support and empowerment. A mural painted in Jones’s memory serves as a reminder of his permanent impact on the neighborhood.
When former Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta looked back on his legacy, he commented on the way Jones’s infectious spirit affected those in his presence.
He made people smile and laugh, which was his goal everyday. Everyone fed off that good vibe.
The emotional gravity of Jones’s absence is evident from even his closest friends and confidants. Bryan Hall, another camp participant, talked about how his loss resonated throughout the community.
His loss last year hit many of us like a gut punch. Today, we’re in his shadow doing things that would make him proud. He remarked, “It feels good to be out here to honor what he did.”
As millions are getting ready to celebrate Jones’s lasting legacy, former teammate Torrey Smith reminded everyone about the larger implications of all of them coming together.
“It definitely goes to show the power of a game and a person’s heart and energy and love that he gave,” Smith said.
Jones’s influence is not limited to football. On and off the field, he inspires young athletes to follow their dreams, and millions of them view him as a role model. The community continues to be dedicated to making sure that their memories of him live on to inspire generations to come.
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